About this episode

This episode explores the origins and history of the iconic Birkin handbag, created in 1985 by Jean-Louis Dumas for Jane Birkin.

In 1985, one the world’s most recognisable fashion accessories was first launched – the Birkin handbag. Its origins have since become legend. The actress and model Jane Birkin said she was on a flight to London when her bag and contents spilt over the floor. The passenger sitting next to her remarked that she needed a bigger bag, and offered to make it for her. His name was Jean-Louis Dumas, then chief executive of the leather goods company, Hermès. The design was sketched on the plane’s sickbag, and the resulting leather holdall was christened the Birkin, after its inspiration. Today, the price tag ranges from a few thousand dollars to more than $200,000 for limited design versions, and it's often seen on the arms of celebrities and socialites. Jane Wilkinson looks back at its history, using BBC archive. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more…

People in this episode

Host: Jane Wilkinson

Topics covered

• fashion
• history
• accessories
• design
• celebrity culture

Keywords

• Birkin bag
• fashion history
• Jane Birkin
• Jean-Louis Dumas
• Hermès
• luxury accessories
• celebrity fashion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hermès

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